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Exercise – An effective solution in cancer management

Exercise – An effective solution in cancer management

In the past, doctors typically advised cancer patients to rest and avoid physical activity. However, early exercise cancer research (or research oncology) in the 1990s and 2000s contradicted this advice. This field has grown exponentially over the past decade, with over 1000 randomized controlled trials. Evidence now overwhelmingly suggests that those living with cancer can greatly benefit from being physically active. Therefore, exercise can now be precisely prescribed to address several cancer-related conditions. How does exercise help mitigate cancer-related outcomes? Studies in exercise oncology can be traced back to the 1980s when research by a leading state university found that breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who exercised daily experienced less fatigue, nausea, and disability from the treatments. This kickstarted research in the field to find out the relationship between exercise and cancer. In 2019, a panel of experts found that doing half an hour of aerobic exercise three times a week during and after cancer treatment can ease fatigue, anxiety, and depression and improve quality of life and physical functioning. The panel also concluded that there was no increased risk of lymphedema from resistance exercise twice a week. However, researchers do currently lack evidence as to whether exercise can help improve other health outcomes such as peripheral neuropathy, cardiotoxicity, cognitive functioning, pain, or chemotherapy completion rate.

7 foods that tackle dementia and improve cognition

7 foods that tackle dementia and improve cognition

Dementia is a general term used for impaired thinking, memory loss, or inability to make decisions that can impact one’s ability to perform daily activities. One of the most common types of this phenomenon is Alzheimer’s disease. A person affected by dementia may require treatment to cope with the condition. However, since dementia affects the brain, one should eat these six foods to prevent or delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease. Salmon Salmon and other fatty fish like mackerel and tuna are other foods one should eat regularly. These fish varieties are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids with DHA to help prevent dementia. Broccoli Rich in vitamin B and carotenoids, broccoli can reduce homocysteine levels. The compound is an amino acid that may result in brain atrophy, cognitive decline, and dementia. So moderating its levels could benefit one’s overall cognition. Eggs Eggs offer several health benefits, including ones vital for cognitive function. For example, it is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which can fight and prevent dementia and maintain overall brain health. Spinach The leafy green is rich in essential B vitamins like folate and B9, which help boost cognitive function. So adding spinach to one’s meals may help prevent or fight the effects of mental health conditions.

7 teeth-whitening hacks for brighter smiles

7 teeth-whitening hacks for brighter smiles

A smile is the best ornament an individual can flaunt, and an ornament with glistening pearls is the most invaluable accessory. Besides, pearl-white teeth are a dream come true for most. Therefore, alongside getting professional teeth cleanups regularly and having nutritious meals, following simple teeth-whitening tips can provide long-lasting positive outcomes. Moreover, one may practice such hacks at home with readily available products, so here are some natural teeth-whitening tips for white, healthy teeth: Oil pulling Oil pulling, a traditional, alternative-medicine practice originating in India, requires one to swish one tablespoon of any form of edible oil around one’s mouth. This can be done for a certain amount of time, initially for 5-10 minutes and then extending to 20 minutes. Although oil pulling is not directly associated with white teeth, it helps remove stains from the teeth and eliminates plaque and gingivitis-causing bacteria. Thus, this practice, combined with other teeth-whitening remedies, can significantly contribute to white and healthy teeth. Fruit for teeth whitening Fruits like strawberries, watermelons, pineapples, and papayas help maintain teeth whiteness. For example, one may purchase teeth-whitening gels containing bromelain, papain, etc., or rub fruit peels against one’s teeth for the best results. However, directly rubbing one’s teeth with pieces of fruit is not recommended, as it can worsen the color of the teeth.

Rheumatoid arthritis – Foods to avoid

Rheumatoid arthritis – Foods to avoid

Arthritis is a condition that causes severe pain and stiffness in the joints. Its types are varied but widely divided into two categories – inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common form of inflammatory arthritis. The degree of stiffness or inflammation is affected by many factors, the primary being the food you eat. Its symptoms can be managed by limiting foods that trigger inflammation. Here are seven things rheumatoid arthritis patients should avoid. Foods rich in omega-6 fatty acids The intake of excess foods with omega-6 fatty acids can trigger inflammation in arthritis. These foods are soybeans, corn, safflower, sunflower, canola oils, nuts, and meat. It is best to switch to mono-saturated fats like olive oil and fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, or cod to provide the body with healthy calories. Excessive sugar Patients with arthritis should limit the consumption of excessive sugar items such as candy, ketchup, barbecue sauce, soda, chocolates, and pastries. Sugar flares the release of cytokines, a form of protein in the body that results in inflammation. Avoid forms of sugar like corn syrup, fructose, maltose, and sucrose. One should also limit the intake of certain carbonated or fizzy drinks. They contain high levels of phosphoric acid, which promotes calcium excretion through urine.

5 low-impact sports and activities that reduce joint pain

5 low-impact sports and activities that reduce joint pain

Staying active is essential to leading a healthy life, free of joint pain and inflammatory conditions. Knee pain, joint problems, or any type of arthritis can cause many problems and discourage patients from exercising and being active. However, quite a few activities and sports actually help keep the symptoms in check and reduce frequent flare-ups. This article highlights a few sports activities that people with joint pain can truly indulge in. Benefits of sports One of the main reasons to indulge in exercises or any sort of sports is to improve stamina and flexibility. Certain types of sports and low-impact exercises can boost mood, enhance balance, and, in some cases, even decrease pain. Ideal exercises that reduce symptoms associated with joint pain Swimming Swimming is excellent, as it reduces joint pressure and stimulates the lymphatic system, consequently decreasing inflammation caused by joint pain. Swimming is beneficial for those who experience frequent bouts of joint pain and struggle to do high-intensity exercises that put added pressure on the joints. It is recommended to start with a fewer number of laps and increase the number of laps for the body to get adjusted and build stamina. Cycling This is another activity that is very easy on the joints.

Ways to manage joint pain in different weather conditions

Ways to manage joint pain in different weather conditions

Joint pain is one of the most common and persistent symptoms of arthritis. While some can manage the discomfort with mild prescriptions, others may have to rely on physiotherapy and lifestyle changes to improve their outlook in the long run. There are many known triggers of joint pain, but surprisingly, changes in weather can also trigger these discomforts. Experiencing bad joint problems triggered during climatic changes can be dealt with in the following ways. Joint pain during winters The cold season can be tough on joints, especially when a person is already experiencing pain triggered by arthritis. Studies indicate that a drop in temperature lowers barometric pressure (the atmospheric pressure), forcing muscle, tendons, and tissues to expand. Overexpansion puts severe pressure on the joints and the tissue cushioning two bones. To reduce bad joint pains during winters, one can wear more layers and cover-ups to protect from extreme temperature drops. Movement helps keep the muscles strong and prevents the risk of spasms. One can also apply heating pads to areas where the pain has just started to develop when the temperature drops. Joint pain during summers As if summer heat waves weren’t enough of a nuisance, many people also experience joint problems with the increase in temperature.

16 habits to break to avoid joint pain

16 habits to break to avoid joint pain

Joint pain is one of the biggest signs of arthritis. It is usually experienced as discomfort in the hands, wrists, feet, and back. What people don’t know is that many of our day-to-day activities and habits actually contribute to joint pain and conditions such as arthritis. However, the good news is that these habits can be addressed and remedied. Read on to find out about these habits and how they could be damaging your joints. Wearing heels Higher heels cause more weight to be pushed forward. This forces your leg muscles to work harder and puts pressure on your knees and ankles, increasing the risk of arthritis. Wearing ill-fitting shoes Wearing ill-fitted shoes can affect your knees, hips, ankles, and even your back. Skipping out on strength training Strength training improves muscle and slows down the bone loss that occurs with age. Maintaining a poor form Bad form while exercising overworks the muscles and puts pressure on joints. Poor texting habits It’s common to use your thumbs while texting, but this can irritate the tendons. People face something known as a “texting thumb,” where the thumb gets locked in a curled position. Spending too much time with a screen Too much time on your computer screen can lead to pain in your neck, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and back.

4 common migraine misconceptions

4 common migraine misconceptions

Anyone who has ever had a migraine attack understands how debilitating it can be. The experience is not made easier when you’re faced with a ton of questions latent with misconceptions that the general public holds about this illness. There is still a lot to be understood about this misunderstood condition, to make matters worse. This article talks about some common misconceptions and facts about migraine to help spread awareness. Myth or fact: Migraine is just a headache Myth. Migraines are a type of headache, but they can’t be classified as simple headaches. Migraine episodes may be accompanied by light sensitivity, nausea, aura, pulsating pain, etc. Migraine is more appropriately classified as a neurological disease that can cause functional changes in the brain. Migraine may or may not present itself in the form of a headache, and it often shows other neurological signs that help in its diagnosis. Myth or fact: Caffeine causes migraine Myth. Caffeine can certainly act as a trigger for headaches or migraine in some patients. However, it cannot be labeled as a causative agent in the grand scheme. Most treatment options prescribed by doctors contain caffeine to help reduce headaches. Some patients even prefer drinking caffeinated beverages at the start of a migraine attack, as it often helps lower the severity of the episode.

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Joint conditions – Symptoms, causes, and risks

Joint conditions – Symptoms, causes, and risks

Joint conditions refer to any condition or disease that affects the joints. Arthritis is the most well-known and commonly occurring joint disease, while there are several others that impact the health of individuals across the world. Diseases related to the joints can be both short-lived or they can turn chronic and require surgery and other serious treatment. This condition can be limited to a single joint or it can impact different parts of the body. There are two types in which joint conditions can be classified: inflammatory and non-inflammatory. However, one thing that is common with most joint conditions is that they’re very painful, especially inflammatory diseases. Symptoms of joint conditions There are several symptoms of joint conditions. While most of them will involve pain, some of them might just involve a difference in shape or a bulge around the joint. This will be the earlier stage of any joint condition, and if a person visits a doctor during this stage, treatment can be fairly simple. Let us understand the different symptoms of joint conditions: The area surrounding the joint is swollen or there is prominent redness in the area. If you touch it, and the area is warm, you might want to consult the doctor.

All you need to know about kidney and liver failure

Hepatorenal syndrome is a condition that is identified as a type of kidney failure that occurs in people who have serious damage caused to the liver, commonly due to cirrhosis. When the kidney stops functioning, toxins begin to accumulate in the body which leads to liver failure as well. Therefore, kidney and liver failures are co-dependent in this case. This condition is of two types: 1 and 2. In Type 1 the kidney failure is more rapid, while type 2 patients tend to move gradually toward renal failure and the symptoms are less aggressive. Symptoms The symptoms caused by the hepatorenal syndrome are a cause of medical emergency in most cases. If any of the symptoms associated with the condition occur, the patient must be rushed to a doctor without any delay. The common symptoms associated with the condition include Nausea Increase in body weight Confusion Reduced urination Change in the color of urine, which usually becomes dark-colored Swelling in the abdomen area Jaundice Dementia Vomiting Delirium Causes and risk factors In most cases, the hepatorenal syndrome is a complication associated with liver disease. Almost in all patients, the condition is caused as a result of liver cirrhosis. When a person suffers from cirrhosis of the liver, there are several factors that can cause the hepatorenal syndrome, such as Infections, especially the ones that affect the kidneys Digestive tract disorders such as gastrointestinal bleeding Use of diuretics, the substance used for increased production of urine The primary reason behind the condition is mostly any kind of disease related to the liver.

Menopause – Symptoms, causes, and risks

Menopause is a stage that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles and fertility, and it is diagnosed when a woman doesn’t menstruate for 12 consecutive months. Usually, menopause occurs in women between the ages of 40s and 50s, but in some cases, early onset may cause a woman to reach menopause in her late 30s as well. Menopause can lead to the development of several symptoms and can cause a lot of discomfort, but no medical attention is required in most cases. This article outlines what you need to know about menopause. Symptoms of menopause The time that leads up to menopause is also known as perimenopause, and it can be accompanied by various symptoms, including the following: Irregularities in the menstrual cycle Vaginal dryness Hot flashes and night sweats Cold chills Sleep-related problems Mood swings Increase in body weight Reduced metabolism Hair thinning Skin dryness Reduced breast fullness The symptoms caused by menopause, including the irregularities in the menstrual cycle, can vary from one woman to another. During perimenopause, it is common as well as expected for a woman’s menstrual cycles to be irregular or skipped. Some women do not get their cycles for several months, followed by normal cycles for a few months.

Symptoms, causes, and risk factors of mental health issues

Mental health is a term that is collectively used to understand illnesses that include symptoms that might have an impact on the thinking, mood, and behavior of a person. Mental health problems might make it difficult for people to concentrate on work or maintain a positive work-life balance. There might even be problems pertaining to relationships when a person is dealing with mental health problems. While mental health and stress have a complex but definite relationship, the latter can gravely be worsened by the former. What is the solution? While some people resort to counseling for mental health problems, some might turn to medication. A combination of both can also be a good and effective solution for some. Symptoms of mental health problems The symptoms of mental health illness can vary depending on the individual, the depth of the problem, and how a person is looking to cope with the problem. There can be emotional and behavioral repercussions of mental health illness, and the best way to cure is to identify it early on and support the person suffering from mental health issues as well as possible. Some of the known symptoms of mental health illnesses include: Feeling sad or low Inability to concentrate on the job or even on leisure activities like watching TV or reading the newspaper Extreme feeling of guilt Irrational fears or worries, especially about the future Mood swings Withdrawal from family, friends, and all sorts of social activities Detachment from the real world and a sense of delusion or hallucinations Inability to keep up with daily tasks or powerlessness in handling the stress of simple jobs Difficulty in understanding people and situations Excessive alcohol use Sudden change in eating habits Change in sex drive for the worse Change in temperament and sudden hostile behavior and loss of patience Suicidal thoughts Physical symptoms such as stomach ache, back pain, and headaches Causes of mental health problems Multiple causes can be associated with the occurrence of mental health illnesses.

Oral health issues – Causes and tips to prevent them

Although maintaining oral hygiene is important for overall health, several mouth and teeth diseases can make it difficult to have the pearly whites you desire. This makes it important to be careful about oral hygiene and make regular efforts to maintain oral health. This article discusses the symptoms and causes of mouth and teeth diseases, followed by a few tips to maintain good oral hygiene. Symptoms Several mouth and teeth problems can be caused by oral health issues. Here are some symptoms that you need to keep in mind to help prevent oral diseases: Foul breath Bleeding gums Loosening of teeth Aches in the tooth, jaw, or gum These are the most common symptoms that are often overlooked, but ignoring them can worsen the pain and aggravate mouth and teeth problems. It’s best to consult a dentist at the earliest if any of these symptoms manifest. Causes The causes of mouth and teeth problems may vary from person to person, but let’s look at the most common causes: Smoking Smoking causes several health issues, and mouth and teeth problems are just one among those. It harms the tissues of the gums and the nicotine also stains the teeth. Poor dental history in the family If your family has a poor dental record, you should take extra precautions to maintain oral health as you face a greater risk of developing mouth and teeth problems.